Cosmetic palette and godets therefor

ABSTRACT

A cosmetic palette including a palette base having a smooth surface, at least one cosmetic-containing godet having a flat bottom disposed on the smooth surface, and a patch of micro-suction fastener material having one surface attached to the bottom of the godet and an opposed micro-suction surface engaging the smooth surface, wherein the godet is removably secured to the palette base surface by micro-suction provided by the patch enabling the godet to be selectively positionable on the smooth surface, and wherein the force required to separate the patch from the godet is greater than that required to separate the patch from the smooth surface. The palette may have a plurality of cosmetic-containing godets with flat bottoms and a corresponding plurality of micro-suction fastener material patches respectively attached to the bottoms of the godets and securing the godets to the smooth surface. The smooth surface may be a mirror surface.

This application claims priority under 35 U.S.C. § 119 to U.S.Provisional Patent Application No. 62/901,726, filed on Sep. 17, 2019.The disclosure of that application is incorporated herein by reference.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

This invention relates to a cosmetic palette having a smooth surfacewith one or more cosmetic-containing godets removably secured thereon,and to godets for the palette. The godets are selectively positionableon the smooth surface and are interchangeable and replaceable.

In the art of cosmetic packaging, it is known to provide a cosmeticpalette bearing, on a supporting surface, a plurality of smallcontainers respectively holding different cosmetic materials such aspressed powders or other suitable cosmetic formulations. The palette maybe a portable cosmetic compact case, including a rigid tray as thesupporting surface and a hinged or other lid to cover and protect thecosmetic materials; the containers are open so that when the palette isexposed, the user can pick up quantities of the materials, e.g. withapplicators, for delivery to areas of the face. These containers may beshallow, substantially flat-bottomed pans known as cosmetic godet pans(herein “godets”) attached to the support surface. Advantageously, theyare removable and replaceable to enable the user to select particularcosmetics for inclusion on the palette and to resupply depletedcosmetics as well as to locate the selected godets on the supportingsurface in any desired arrangement.

Heretofore, removable godets have typically been held on supportingsurfaces of cosmetic palettes magnetically, or by small flexiblehook-and-loop fasteners of the type commercially available under thetrade name “VELCRO®” fasteners. Magnetic attachment of godets to thesupporting surface requires the presence of a magnet in the palette anduse of magnetic materials in the godets, while hook-and-loop fastenersrequire complete coverage of the support surface with hook- orloop-bearing fabric and patches of the complementary (i.e., loop- orhook-bearing) fabric on the bottom of each godet.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

An object of the present invention is to provide a cosmetic palettehaving removable, replaceable and selectively positionable godetswithout resort to magnetic or hook-and-loop attachment. Another objectis to provide godets for such a palette.

To these and other ends, the present invention broadly embraces acosmetic palette comprising a palette base having a smooth supportingsurface, at least one cosmetic-containing godet having a flat bottomsurface disposed on the palette base surface, and a piece ofmicro-suction fastener material sheet interposed between them, thefastener material sheet having at least one micro-suction surfaceattached to one of the smooth palette base surface and the godet bottomsurface and also having an opposed major surface attached to the otherof the smooth palette base surface and the godet bottom surface, suchthat the godet is removably secured to the smooth palette base surfaceby micro-suction provided by the fastener material.

In important aspects, the invention is particularly directed to such apalette wherein the piece of micro-suction fastener material sheet is apatch of micro-suction fastener material having one surface attached tothe bottom of the aforesaid one godet and an opposed micro-suctionsurface engaging the smooth palette base surface, wherein the godet isremovably secured to the smooth palette base surface by micro-suctionprovided by the fastener material patch, enabling the godet to beselectively positioned at any desired location on the palette basesurface, and wherein the force required to separate the fastenermaterial patch from the godet is greater than the force (pull-off force)required to separate the fastener material patch from the smooth palettebase surface. The palette may include a plurality of thecosmetic-containing godets and a corresponding plurality ofmicro-suction fastener material patches respectively attached to thebottoms of the godets and removably securing the godets to the palettebase surface in an arrangement of the user's choosing.

The base of the palette may be a substantially rigid panel or tray witha smooth inner supporting surface, and if the palette is a portablecompact case, a lid may be hingedly or otherwise arranged to cover andprotect the smooth surface together with the attached godet or godetswhen the palette is not being actively employed for application ofcosmetics. Alternatively, the palette base may be a panel of relativelylarge size, with or without a lid or cover, e.g. for home use.

The term “micro-suction fastener material” is employed herein to referto a generally sheet-like fastening product, thin and usually flexible,conveniently a plastic sheet and frequently though not necessarily inthe form of a tape, having one surface that can be attached to anarticle (here, a godet) and an opposed surface (micro-suction surface)bearing a multiplicity of micro-suction cups for adherently securing thearticle (godet) to a smooth surface, for example a flat surface of arigid panel or tray. Typically, the micro-suction fastening material(sometimes referred to as “nano-suction material) is of a polyurethaneformulation with a major surface or surfaces having myriad randomlyarranged tiny open bubbles constituting the micro-suction cups. Thesecuring of the micro-suction fastener material surface to the smoothsurface of the panel or tray is non-adhesive, in the sense that there isno adhesive composition between the micro-suction surface and the smoothsurface, hence no adhesive residue left on the smooth surface when thefastener material is removed. Instead, compression of the micro-suctionmaterial displaces air from the cups. The resilient expansion of thepolyurethane material creates a partial vacuum inside cups pressedagainst the smooth surface, removably adhering the material to thesmooth surface. The material is removed from the surface by applying aforce sufficient to break the vacuum. The micro-suction fastenermaterial patch is attached, for example, by an adhesive substance suchas a pressure sensitive double-sided adhesive tape or a layer of achemical adhesive, by ultrasonic welding, or other techniques known inthe field of the disclosure to the godet, directly or indirectly. Thetechnique for attachment to the godet is selected such that the forcerequired to separate the micro-suction fastener material from the godetis greater than the pull-off force which is effective to separate themicro-suction surface from the smooth surface of the palette; thestrength of the pull-off force depends on the area of the micro-suctionsurface of the patch engaging the palette surface. To this end, themicro-suction fastener material tape may bear, on one of its majorsurfaces, a double-sided adhesive tape which adheres both to themicro-suction tape and to the godet more strongly than the exposedmicro-suction surface adheres to the smooth surface of the palette base;such combined micro-suction and double-sided adhesive tapes arecurrently commercially available.

The fastener material patch can be re-used repeatedly for re-attachingits associated godet to a smooth surface of a palette base, or toanother surface as mentioned below; when separated from such a surface,it leaves no residue, and its adherent property can be restored, if andwhen necessary, by cleaning the micro-suction surface.

The invention in particular embodiments contemplates a palette asdescribed above wherein the pallet base comprises a mirror and thesmooth surface is a mirror surface. The (or each) godet is secured by amicro-suction fastener material patch to this mirror surface. Thepalette or compact may have plural mirrored surfaces giving usersmultiple perspectives and flexibility in applying cosmetics from thepalette. In addition to the godet(s), tools (such as magnifying mirrorsof various levels, applicators, pencils, lights and internalcompartments) may be provided on the palette and may also be attached tothe smooth surface of the palette base by patches of micro-suctionfastener material.

Each godet may have a micro-suction fastener material patch covering aselected bottom portion of the godet and having a micro-suction surfacearea, for attachment to the smooth surface of the palette base, selectedto provide a predetermined pull-off force. According to someembodiments, the patch does not extend outwardly beyond the periphery ofthe godet bottom. In addition, each godet may include a removable (e.g.peelable) individual protective lid for initially protecting thecosmetic material contained in the godet; the removable protective godetlid, which may be a cardboard or plastic layer adhered to the lip of thegodet (by ultrasonic welding, for example), enables the user to firmlypress the center of the godet to affix it to the palette/compact smoothsurface without touching the cosmetic (at least in the first instance).Once the godet is affixed to the palette/compact, the protective lid ispeeled from the godet, exposing the cosmetic material. The micro-suctionsecuring force (pull-off force) between the godet and thepalette/compact is made greater than the force required to peel theprotective lid from the godet, the strength of this securing force beingadjusted by appropriate selection of the micro-suction fastener materialpatch surface area.

The micro-suction fastener material patch for the (or each) godet mayhave any of a variety of configurations, including, for example, acircle, an annular ring, a half-circle, and the like. According to oneembodiment, the patch is shaped to conform to the periphery of a roundgodet. The patch is adhered to the godet during the manufacturingprocess (conveniently after the godet is filled and sealed, so as toprevent cosmetic powder from contaminating the micro-suction surface ofthe patch). The micro-suction patch may in some embodiments constitute apart of a label assembly including a printed label such that information(for instance, to identify the particular cosmetic contained in thegodet) can be displayed on the godet surface. As an alternative to anannular, circular, or semicircular patch, other shapes (e.g. a starshape) may be used. The micro-suction patch may be formed from atransparent or translucent material, allowing features of the godetand/or of the printed label to be visible beneath the patch.

Specific embodiments of the invention employ a half-disc ofmicro-suction fastener material covering only half of the godet bottom.This arrangement provides satisfactory securing of the godet to thepalette surface, and facilitates removal of the godet from the palettewhen desired; when the user presses down on the side of the godet thatdoes not have the half-disc, the godet acts like a lever releasing thehalf-disc from the palette. Alternatively, a selected portion of theexposed micro-suction surface of a patch of micro-suction fastenermaterial applied to a godet may be laser-etched to render itnon-adherent to a palette bottom surface, again to facilitate manualseparation of a godet from the palette. In addition to modifying theadhesive properties of the micro-suction patch, laser etching may alsobe used to add text, logos, graphics, and other decorative artwork tothe patch and other areas of the godet.

A number of advantages result from applying the micro-suction fastenermaterial patch to the godets, as opposed to providing a micro-suctionfastener material extending over and adhesively attached to the smoothsupporting surface of the palette. In the present invention, thefastener material is replaced each time the godet is replaced. Since thesecuring strength of the micro-suction material diminishes as dirt,dust, and other materials (including powdered cosmetic material)accumulate on the surface, provision of the micro-suction materialfastener patch on the godet assures the user of a fresh micro-suctionfastener with each replacement. Also, the micro-suction surface can becleaned and restored; thus, by providing the fastener patch on theremovable godet, the user can clean the patch separately from thepalette as opposed to cleaning the whole palette surface. In addition,the location of the micro-suction surface beneath the godet protects itfrom exposure to loose cosmetic powder. If the micro-suction surfacecovered the smooth surface of the palette, powder falling on the exposedmicro-suction surface would eventually render that part of the surfacenon-adherent, just as in hook-and-loop attachment of godets to apalette, the hook or loop fabric covering the supporting surface of thepalette, being exposed, becomes contaminated and requires cleaning.

Owing to the attachment of the micro-suction fastener material patch tothe godet such that the force required to separate the fastener materialpatch from the godet is greater than the force required to separate thefastener material patch from the smooth palette base surface, thefastener patch does not separate from the godet when the godet ismanually repositioned on or removed from the smooth palette surface by auser; hence the nuisance of having to separately remove a fastener patchfrom the latter surface is avoided, and the godet retains its fastenerpatch so that it can be returned to or relocated on the smooth palettesurface. The retained fastener patch also enables the godet to besecured to a different palette, or to other smooth surfaces such ascountertops or the like which themselves have no means for securing thegodet. Thus, the godets tend to stay put when set down on a countertopor other surface (outside the palette) and are less likely to beaccidentally knocked off a counter. Neither magnetic attachment norhook-and-loop attachment affords this advantage unless the countertopitself happens to be ferromagnetic or has a corresponding hook or loopsurface.

The present invention has additional advantages over palettes/compactsthat use magnetic materials to removably attach godets. In the paletteof the invention, a wide range of materials can be used to form thegodet (e.g. aluminum, plastic, cardboard, glass). With magneticattachment, the godet must either be made from a ferromagnetic material(e.g., steel or a magnetized material) or a separate magnetic insertneeds to be provided. By using a wider range of godet materials, thegodet material can be selected based on other factors such as chemicalcompatibility with the cosmetic, ease of manufacture, price, etc.Magnets are also ecologically undesirable, sometimes requiring minedmaterials (e.g. cobalt). The manufacture of steel godets involves energyintensive processes.

The invention provides further advantages relative to hook-and-loopattachment of godets to a palette/compact. The hook and loop materialadds significant thickness to the assembly. Typical hook-and-loop layersadd 3-4 mm of thickness to the assembly. Micro-suction layers can be asthin as 0.3 mm-0.5 mm, providing a thinner, more aesthetically appealingstructure.

Godets according to the invention can be adhered to any smooth surface,such as a user's vanity mirror, car dashboard, countertop, etc. The samegodet can be used with a variety of palettes/compacts. In one example,the user may have a large palette for home use holding many godets withcosmetics for a number of occasions (e.g. everyday make-up, make-up forformal occasions, etc.), and one or more other more portablepalettes/compacts including a “mono” compact that holds only one or alimited number of godets for the user to carry during the day.

In a further particular aspect, the invention contemplates the provisionof a cosmetic palette comprising a palette base having a smoothsupporting surface, at least one cosmetic-containing godet having a flatbottom disposed on the palette base surface, and a patch ofmicro-suction fastener material having one surface attached to thebottom of the aforesaid one godet and an opposed micro-suction surfaceengaging the palette base surface, wherein the godet is removablysecured to the palette base surface by micro-suction provided by thefastener material patch, enabling the godet to be selectively positionedon the palette base surface in an arrangement of the user's choosing,and wherein the smooth palette base surface is a mirror. Additionalfeatures of the palette may include other make-up mirrors (e.g. amagnifying mirror), lighting for the compact case or a “godet” that isitself a battery powered light.

In another aspect, the invention embraces a palette of such type whereinthe micro-suction fastener material patch covers only a portion of thefacing surfaces of the godet and the palette/compact, with the area ofthe patch being selected to adjust the pull-off force, and the godet hasa removable protective lid with a removal force such that the pull-offforce of the micro-suction surface is greater than the removal force ofthe lid but low enough to allow the user to conveniently remove andreplace the godet.

The invention additionally contemplates provision of a compact/palettesystem including a number of compacts, each having a smooth innersurface for holding one or more godets, and a plurality of godetsselectively applied to the compacts.

It is also possible to provide a continuous sheet of micro-suctionfastener material secured to and extending over the entire smooth basesurface of the palette, and to removably mount godets (themselves havingno patches of micro-suction fastener material) thereon by simplypressing them against the sheet.

According to further aspects of the disclosure, a godet package isprovided to protect the godet and to create an aesthetically pleasingappearance, for example, when the godet is displayed for sale. Thepackage includes a lid that can be opened to remove the godet and asmooth inner surface arranged so that, when the godet is positioned inthe package, the micro-suction patch engages the smooth surface toreleasably hold the godet within the package. Because the micro-suctionpatch material can be connected and reconnected with smooth surfacesrepeatedly, the godet can be returned to the package and securelyaffixed to the smooth surface. According to a still further aspect, thegodet package is provided with an opening through the smooth surface toallow a user to apply force to the bottom of the godet, for example,with a fingertip, to separate the micro-suction patch from the smoothsurface so that the godet can be easily removed from the package.

Further features and advantages of the invention will be apparent fromthe detailed description hereinbelow set forth, together with theaccompanying drawings.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a cosmetic palette embodying the presentinvention in a particular form, open and partly exploded to show twogodets (one inverted) outside but mountable in the palette;

FIG. 2 is a side view of the cosmetic palette of FIG. 1 with the lidclosed;

FIG. 3 is a side elevational sectional view of the same palette, showingone godet mounted therein;

FIG. 4 is an enlarged fragmentary view of the portion of FIG. 3 withincircle B in FIG. 3;

FIG. 5A is an exploded schematic side view of an example of a multilayerassembly including a label and a patch of micro-suction fastenermaterial for application to the bottom of a godet for the palette ofFIG. 1;

FIG. 5B is an exploded perspective view of elements of the assembly ofFIG. 5A;

FIGS. 6A, 6B and 6C are perspective views illustrating successive stepsin mounting the assembly of FIGS. 5A and 5B on a godet for the paletteof FIG. 1;

FIGS. 7A, 7B, 7C and 7D are perspective views of the godet of FIG. 1,open, illustrating successive steps in mounting a godet within thepalette;

FIG. 8A is a perspective view of another embodiment of the invention inwhich the godets (one being shown inverted) each bear a patch ofmicro-suction material on only one-half of their bottom surfaces;

FIGS. 8B, 8C and 8D are enlarged fragmentary sectional elevational viewsillustrating successive steps in the mounting and removal of godets inthe embodiment of FIG. 8A;

FIG. 9 is a perspective view of the bottom surface of a godet accordingto an alternative embodiment of the disclosure;

FIG. 10 plan view of the bottom surface of a godet according to afurther embodiment of the disclosure showing laser etching to modify theappearance of the godet and to modify the adhesive properties ofmicro-suction material on the godet;

FIG. 11 shows a jar for holding liquid and semiliquid materials that canbe removably attached to a palette according to embodiments of thedisclosure;

FIG. 12 shows a light source that can be removably attached to a paletteaccording to embodiments of the disclosure;

FIG. 13 shows a tool holder that can be removably attached to a paletteaccording to embodiments of the disclosure; and

FIGS. 14A and 14B show a package for holding and protecting a godetaccording to embodiments of the disclosure.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

The embodiment of the invention shown in FIGS. 1-4 includes a cosmeticpalette case in the form of a compact 10, for example rectangular inplan, comprising a base 11 and a lid 12 connected by a hinge 14, with alatch 16 opposite the hinge for releasably holding the compact closed.Each of the lid and base may conveniently be an integrally moldedplastic element. The base 11 is a generally rigid tray having anextended smooth, bare, planar inner supporting surface 18 surrounded onall four sides by a rim 20 defining a well within which the surface 18is situated. Other palette/compact configurations also providing asmooth flat supporting surface are embraced as well by the invention.

The surface 18 may be the inner surface of the molded plastic baseitself, or (as in the embodiment illustrated in FIGS. 1-4) may be asurface of a planar element, such as a mirror or like specularlyreflective coating or member 19, mounted on and covering the plasticbase inner surface within the well. When the compact is open and theuser looks into the well, the mirror reflects toward the user, to assistin the application of cosmetics.

The compact or palette case 10 in this embodiment is dimensioned toreceive a plurality of individual godets 22 each holding a quantity 24of a cosmetic material, illustratively (but, in the broader aspects ofthe invention, not limited to) a pressed powder or the like.Conveniently and desirably, when the palette contains more than onegodet, the different godets included therein respectively containdifferent cosmetic materials.

Each of the godets 22 is a small open-topped container 28, shown as ashallow circular cup or pan having a generally flat bottom 30 thatconforms to the flat smooth supporting surface 18 of the tray 20. By wayof example, the godets are shown as identical in dimensions andconfiguration, and of such a diameter that five, six or more fit easilyin the tray 10 with spaces between them and may be arranged therein inany way desired by a particular user. The invention in its broaderaspects is not limited as to the size, shape, number and variety ofgodets included in a palette.

The godets may be made of a wide range of materials (including, withoutlimitation, aluminum or other metals, plastic, cardboard and glass),selected in accordance with such factors as chemical compatibility withthe contained cosmetic material, ease of manufacture, and cost, providedthat the godets are sufficiently self-sustaining in structure to servetheir cosmetic-holding function during storage and use.

Three of the godets 22 shown in FIG. 1 are mounted on the smoothsupporting surface 18, and a fourth (outside the compact) is similarlyoriented for such mounting, with its bottom facing the surface 18. Afifth godet, designated 22 a and also outside the compact, is invertedto show its bottom 30, to which is attached a fastener material patch 32of annular configuration concentric with and just inside the peripheryof the godet bottom. Each of the other godets bears a similar fasteningmaterial patch on its bottom, not visible in FIG. 1.

The fastener material patch 32 is a patch of a micro-suction fasteningmaterial, such as (for example) a tape commercially available under thetrade name “wgo® Universal tape,” which comprises a thermoplasticelastomer that (as best seen in FIG. 4) creates on at least one side ofthe tape a micro-suction or nano-suction surface 34, constituted, ineffect, of millions of microscopic suction cups packed tightly so as tofeel like a smooth plastic surface. The other major surface of the tape,designated 36, may also be a micro-suction surface or may bear anadhesive composition. In each godet in the assembled palette 10, theattachment surface 36 of the associated fastener material patch 32 isdirectly or indirectly attached to the godet bottom 30, while themicro-suction surface 34 (oriented to face away from the godet) engagesthe smooth surface 18 of the palette and removably secures the godetthereto by micro-suction.

Advantageously, the fastener material patch of each godet is effectivelypermanently attached to the godet bottom, in that the force required toseparate the patch from the godet is greater than the pull-off forcerequired to remove the godet from the palette surface 18; i.e., theadhering force holding the patch to the godet is greater than themicro-suction pull-off force securing the micro-suction surface 34 ofthe patch to the smooth palette surface. To achieve this relationship ofadhering forces, for example, an adhesive composition which adheres thepatch to the godet bottom with a force greater than the pull-off forcemay be provided on the patch surface 36. The strength of the pull-offforce is dependent on the area of engagement between the micro-suctionsurface of the patch and the smooth palette surface and may thus bedetermined by appropriate selection of the patch micro-suction surfacearea.

A user, having selected a godet or godets for inclusion in thecompact/palette 10, mounts each godet therein by manually pressing thegodet against the smooth palette surface 18 (with the exposedmicro-suction surface 34 of the fastener patch 32 of the godet facingthe surface 18), thereby easily and stably securing the godet to thelatter surface. Within the limits of the area of the surface 18, anynumber of godets, in any desired arrangement, may be so disposed. Thelid 12 is latched shut to cover and protect the open godets while thecompact is carried or stored; when the lid is opened, the containedcosmetics, in their respective godets, are accessible for application tothe user's face. Godets can be removed, repositioned, replaced or addedas the user wishes, or moved from one palette (such as a large openpalette on a user's dressing table at home) to another (such as theportable compact 10). Any godet placed on a countertop or other smoothsurface outside the palette will be secured to that surface by themicro-suction surface of its fastener patch 30. Upon separation of agodet from any smooth surface to which it has been secured, no residueis left on the surface, because the godet is adhered only bymicro-suction and not by any adhesive composition.

The micro-suction fastener material patch 32 may form part of a labelassembly such that information (e.g., identifying and/or describing thecosmetic material contained in the godet) can be displayed on the godetsurface. One illustrative example of such an assembly, designated 31, isshown in FIGS. 5A-6C, wherein the patch 32 is annular, with an outerdiameter substantially equal to that of the bottom 30 of the godet 22 onwhich the assembly is mounted. The assembly 31 is constituted of aplurality of sheets, films or layers shown in exploded view in FIG. 5A.Stated with reference to the orientation of FIG. 5A, this assemblyincludes a removable backing sheet 33 at the bottom, above which is alabel 38 bearing printed legends (artwork) 38 a located in the centralportion of its upwardly-facing surface so as to be visible in thecentral opening of patch 32. The downwardly-facing surface of label 38is provided with a layer of permanent adhesive 38 b; by “permanentadhesive” is meant an adhesive which will adhere the label to the godetbottom with a force greater than the above-defined pull-off forcerequired to separate the micro-suction surface 34 of patch 32 from thesmooth palette surface. Above the label (as seen in FIG. 5A) is a film35, e.g. a tape having on each side a permanent adhesive (again, anadhesive which will adhere the label 38 to the downwardly facing surface36 of the patch 32 with a force greater than the aforesaid pull-offforce); and above the film 35 is the patch 32, having its micro-suctionsurface 34 facing upwardly. Finally, above and covering themicro-suction surface 34 of patch 32 is a protective layer of peel-awayclear film 39 for preventing premature adherence of the micro-suctionsurface 34 of patch 32. In this embodiment, layers 35, 38, and 38 b forma joining layer that joins patch 32 to the bottom surface of the godet.

FIG. 5B is a simplified exploded perspective view again showing theorder, in assembly 31, of the backing sheet 33, label 38, micro-suctionmaterial patch 32 and peel-away film 39. These elements are put togetheras a unit 31 a (FIG. 6A) in this order on the backing sheet, whichprevents premature adhesion of the permanent adhesive 38 b (bothadhesive layer 38 b and the adhesive of film 35 may bepressure-sensitive adhesives). For mounting the unit 31 a on the bottomsurface 30 of a cosmetic-filled godet 22, the godet is inverted, thebacking sheet 33 is peeled off the adhesive layer 38 b and the unit 31 a(that is, unit 31 with backing sheet 33 removed) is placed (arrow 43,FIG. 6B) on the godet with adhesive layer 38 b facing and pressedagainst the godet bottom. The godet is now ready for mounting on asmooth palette surface, after the peel-away film 39 is removed from thepatch 32 to expose micro-suction surface 34 (FIG. 6C).

In this instance the micro-suction fastener material patch is attachedindirectly to the godet bottom, viz., by adhesive attachment of thepatch to the label and adhesive attachment of the label to the godetbottom, but this indirect attachment of the patch to the godet is madeeffectively permanent as described above, by providing bothpatch-to-label and label-to-godet adherence such that the force requiredto separate the patch from the godet is greater than the pull-off forcerequired to remove the godet from the palette surface 18.

Each godet 22, after being filled with cosmetic material (and before thelabel and micro-suction patch are applied to its bottom as justdescribed), may be provided with a removable protective lid or cover 44(FIGS. 7A-7D), such as a cardboard or plastic layer adhered to the lipof the godet e.g. by ultrasonic welding. This cover is intended toremain in place until the ultimate purchaser (user) initially mounts thegodet on the smooth surface 18 of a compact 10 or other palette. Owingto the presence of the cover, the user can affix the godet to thepalette by pushing the top 46 of cover 44 to press the micro-suctionsurface 34 (after removal of the aforementioned protective film) againstthe surface 18. FIGS. 7A and 7B shows a godet 22 b, with cover 44 inplace, being moved into a chosen position for mounting on surface 18.After the godet is secured to the palette surface, the cover is easilybroken and bent hingedly upward (FIG. 7C) and is peeled away (FIG. 8D)leaving the godet attached to the palette. The force adhering the cover44 to the godet, and the area of the patch micro-suction surface 34attaching the godet to the palette surface 18, are mutually selectedsuch that the pull-off force required to remove the godet from thesurface 18 is greater than the force required to peel the protective lidfrom the godet.

FIG. 8A illustrates a palette 50, similar to the palette case 10 of FIG.1, having a plurality of godets 53 similar to the godets 22 of FIG. 1but each having a patch of micro-suction fastener material in the formof a half-disc 54 covering only one-half of the godet bottom surface, aswill be apparent from the inverted one of the godets separated from thecase 10. As shown in FIG. 8B, each godet is mounted on the smooth basesurface 56 of the palette case by being pressed down on the surface withthe half-disc 54 facing and ultimately engaging surface 56. Each godetis thereby secured to the palette case (FIG. 8C). To remove a godet fromthe palette, a user presses down on the side of the godet which does notbear the half-disc, causing the godet to tilt sufficiently to releasethe half-disc from the palette surface (FIG. 8D).

According to an alternative embodiment, palette 10 includes a planarinner surface 18 that is covered or partially covered with a sheet ofmicro-suction material 32. The sheet of material is adhered to thesurface of the palette using a chemical adhesive, adhesive tape,ultrasonic welding, or other technique known in the field of thedisclosure. One or more godets 22 with smooth bottom surfaces 30 areremovably adhere to the sheet of material 32.

According to some embodiments, only a portion of the bottom surface ofthe godet 22 is shaped to adhere to the micro-suction material. FIG. 9shows a godet 22 with a bottom surface 50 facing upward. The bottomsurface 50 includes a raised annular ring surface 54 and a recessedcentral region surface 52. When connected with micro-suction material 32attached to the inner surface 18 of the palette, only the raised surface54 contacts material 32. The pull-off force depends on the area of ring54. By adjusting the area of ring 54, the pull off force can be adjustedto allow the godet 22 to be securely connected with the palette andconveniently removable and repostionable by the user. The disclosure isnot limited to godets with a raised annular ring 54. Other shaped raisedareas are within the scope of the disclosure. In addition to godets 22,other objects, such as brushes, pencils, and other tools used to applycosmetics may be adhered to the sheet of material, provided thoseobjects include a smooth flat surface.

FIG. 10 is a bottom view of a godet 22 according to another embodimentof the disclosure. A label 38 is affixed to the bottom surface of thegodet. An annular ring of micro-suction material 32 is provided on thelabel, using, for example, the technique discussed with respect to FIGS.5A and 5B. Text, logos, graphic designs, and other artwork 38 a and 38 bare applied using laser etching to the label 38 as well as to themicro-suction material 32. For some applications, applying artwork usinglaser etching instead of, or in addition to, printing such artwork maybe preferred. For example, when generic godets are assembled to receivea variety of cosmetic materials, laser etched artwork may be used tocustomize the godets to indicate the contents after generic godets havebeen filled.

Laser etching may also be used to modify the adhesive properties of themicro-suction material 32. The micro-suction material 32 may be etchedto reduce or eliminate the micro-suction properties to createnon-adhesive portions 60. The size and configuration of the non-adhesiveportions is selected to adjust the amount of force required to detachthe godet from a surface, such as surface 18 of compact 10, shown inFIG. 1.

Objects other than godets may be removably connected with surface 18using micro-suction material. FIG. 11 shows an accessory such as a jar70 or other functional structure for holding liquid or semi-liquidmaterials, such as creams, ointments, and emulsions. Jar 70 includes jarbody 72 and removable cap 74. Cap 74 may removably connect with jar body72 by a threaded engagement (a screw-top), a snap-on lid, or otherstructures known in the field of the disclosure. The bottom portion ofthe jar forms a base 73 with a flat bottom surface 71. A patch ofmicro-suction material 32 is applied to the bottom surface 71 of jar 70in a manner disclosed in the previous embodiments. When jar 70 is fixedto a supporting surface, such as surface 18, micro-suction patch 32holds the jar securely to the surface while torque or other forcesrequired to open and close the jar are applied to lid 74.

FIG. 12 shows an accessory, such as a battery-powered light source 80,adapted to be used with the palette according to embodiments of thedisclosure. Reflector assembly 82 houses a light bulb, light emittingdiode, fluorescent tube, or the like for generating visible light. Thereflector assembly 82 is supported by a flexible stalk 84. Stalk 84 maybe a “goose neck” that allows the user to reposition the reflector andto hold the reflector at a selected position and angle. A base 86provides a platform for stalk 84. Base 86 has a flat bottom surface 81.Housed within base 86 is a power source 88, such as a rechargeablebattery. A charging port 89, for example, a mini-USB connector may beprovided to deliver recharging current to power source 88. Power source88 delivers current to the light source in reflector assembly 82 throughwires inside of stalk 84. A patch of micro-adhesive material 32 on theflat bottom surface 81 of base 86 removably connects assembly 80 tosurface 18 or to another smooth surface. In this embodiment thereflector assembly 82 forms a functional structure for illumination thatcan be positioned by stalk 84. Other functional structures, such amirror, could also be provided.

FIG. 13 shows another accessory, a tool holder 90 according to anotherembodiment of the disclosure. Tool holder 90 includes a base 91 with aflat bottom surface 93. On the top surface of base 91 cavities, grooves,snaps, clips, or other functional structures 92 a, 92 b, 92 c areprovided for holding and supporting tools, such as brushes, cosmeticpencils, tweezers, and the like that can be used along with cosmeticsand other materials contained in godets held on the palette according toembodiments of the disclosure. A patch of micro-suction material 32 isprovided on the bottom surface 93 of tool holder 90. Tool holder 90 mayalso include one or more embedded magnets 94. The magnets are adapted tosecure tools that are made from, or include, ferromagnetic materials tothe tool holder 90.

FIGS. 14A and 14B show a package 100 for a godet 22 according to afurther embodiment of the disclosure. Package 100 includes a packagebody 101 and reclosable lid 102. Lid 102 is connected with body 101 by ahinge. A snap fit engagement, not shown, holds lid 102 closed over thetop of body 101. Alternatively, instead of a hinged arrangement, the lid102 may be a screw-top that engages the body 101 by inter-engagingthreads or may form an interference or snap-fit with body 101.

Cavity 104 formed within body 101 is sized and shaped to hold godet 22.As shown in FIG. 14B, a patch 32 of micro-suction material is providedas an annular ring on the bottom surface of godet 22. The bottom surfaceof cavity 104 is smooth. When godet 22 is pressed into cavity 104, asshown in FIG. 14A, micro-suction patch 32 engages with the smooth bottomof cavity 104, securing godet 22 within package 100.

Opening 106 is provided through the bottom wall 106 of body 101 intocavity 104. Opening 106 allows a user to provide a force, F, against thebottom surface of godet 22, for example, using a fingertip, to push thegodet away from the bottom of cavity 104. This force breaks theconnection formed by patch 32 on the godet and the bottom of the cavity104. As shown in FIG. 14B, the godet 22 is thus removed from package100. Godet 22 may then be connected with a smooth surface, such assurface 18 of compact 10, as described in the previous embodiments.

Godet 22 may be reinserted in package 100 and force may be applied tothe top of the godet to re-engage patch 32 with the bottom of cavity 104to securely hold the godet in the package.

According to a further embodiment, package 100 does not include opening106. Instead, the bottom surface of cavity 104 is continuous. Cavity 104is sized to provide sufficient clearance from the sides of godet 22 sothat the godet can be grasped by the user and pulled from the package.

It is to be understood that the invention is not limited to the featuresand embodiments hereinabove specifically set forth but may be carriedout in other ways without departure from its spirit.

What is claimed is:
 1. A cosmetic palette comprising: a palette basehaving a smooth supporting surface; at least one cosmetic-containinggodet having a flat bottom disposed on the supporting surface; and apatch of micro-suction fastener material having one surface attached tothe bottom of said one godet and an opposed micro-suction surfaceengaging the supporting surface, wherein the godet is removably securedto the supporting surface by micro-suction provided by the fastenermaterial patch, and wherein an adhesive force required to separate thefastener material patch from the godet is greater than a pull-off forcerequired to separate the fastener material patch from the smoothsupporting surface.
 2. The cosmetic palette of claim 1, comprising aplurality of cosmetic containing godets with flat bottoms and acorresponding plurality of micro-suction fastener material patchesrespectively attached to the bottoms of the godets and securing thegodets to the supporting surface.
 3. The cosmetic palette of claim 1,wherein the smooth supporting surface of the palette comprises one ormore mirrors.
 4. The cosmetic palette of claim 1, wherein themicro-suction fastener material patch covers only a portion of thefacing surfaces of the godet and the supporting surface, with the areaof the patch being selected to adjust the pull-off force.
 5. Thecosmetic palette of claim 1, wherein the adhesive properties of one ormore areas of the micro-suction fastener material are reduced oreliminated by laser etching.
 6. The cosmetic palette of claim 1, whereinthe godet further comprises a protective lid, wherein the protective lidis removably attached with the godet and wherein a removal force of theprotective lid is less than the pull-off force.
 7. The cosmetic paletteof claim 6, wherein the protective lid is attached with the godet byultrasonic welding.
 8. The cosmetic palette of claim 1, wherein thepatch covers less than the whole of the flat bottom, wherein the patchhas a thickness, wherein a portion of the flat bottom not covered by thepatch is separated from the supporting surface by the thickness, andwherein a force applied on the godet opposite the portion of the flatbottom not covered by the patch leverages the patch away from thesupporting surface.
 9. The cosmetic palette of claim 1, furthercomprising an accessory, wherein the accessory comprises: a base; afunctional structure on an upper part of the base; and a flat bottomsurface on a bottom of the base; and a further patch of micro-suctionfastener material having one surface attached to the bottom of the baseand an opposed micro-suction surface engaging the supporting surface.10. The cosmetic palette of claim 9, wherein the accessory is a lightsource, a tool holder, or a jar adapted to contain a liquid orsemi-liquid material.
 11. A godet for holding a cosmetic materialcomprising: a container, including a planar bottom surface; a patch ofmicro-suction fastener material comprising an attachment surface and amicro-suction surface, the micro-suction surface adapted to engage asmooth supporting surface; and a joining layer comprising a first sideand a second side, wherein the first side is affixed to the planarbottom surface and the second side is affixed to the attachment surface,wherein the joining layer connects the micro-suction material patch tothe planar bottom surface, wherein a peel force is required to separatethe planar bottom surface from the patch, and wherein an area of themicro-suction surface is selected such that a pull-off force required toremove the godet from the smooth supporting surface is less than thepeel force.
 12. The godet of claim 11, wherein the joining layercomprises one or more of a chemical adhesive, an adhesive tape, anultrasonic weld, and a label.
 13. The godet of claim 11, wherein thebottom planar surface is circular and the patch is an annular ringconcentric with the circular surface.
 14. The godet of claim 11, whereina portion of the area of the micro-suction surface is laser-etched. 15.The godet of claim 11, further comprising a protective lid disposed overan opening of the container opposite the bottom surface, wherein theprotective lid is removeable from the container by applying a removalforce and wherein the removal force is less than the pull-off force. 16.The godet of claim 11, further comprising a protective layer disposed onthe micro-suction surface, wherein the protective layer seals themicro-suction surface and wherein the protective layer is adapted to bepeeled from the micro-suction surface to allow the micro-suction surfaceto engage the smooth supporting surface.
 17. The godet of claim 11,wherein the container is formed from a non-ferromagnetic material. 18.The godet of claim 11, further comprising an outer packaging, the outerpackaging comprising a package body and a package lid, wherein thepackage body comprises a cavity shaped to hold the container, wherein atleast a portion of a bottom surface of the cavity is smooth, and whereinthe micro-suction surface engages with the bottom surface of the cavityto hold the godet in the cavity.
 19. The godet of claim 18, wherein theouter package further comprises an opening through a bottom wall of thepackage body, wherein a bottom face of the godet is accessible throughthe opening and wherein pressure applied to the bottom face through theopening disengages the micro-suction surface from the bottom surface ofthe cavity.
 20. A compact system including a plurality of compacts, eachhaving a smooth supporting surface for holding one or more of the godetsof claim
 11. 21. A cosmetic palette comprising: a palette base having aplanar supporting surface; at least one cosmetic-containing godet havinga smooth flat bottom disposed on the palette base surface; and a sheetof micro-suction fastener material having one surface attached to theplanar supporting surface and an opposed micro-suction surface engagingthe smooth flat bottom of the godet, wherein the sheet at leastpartially covers the supporting surface, wherein the godet is removablysecured to the micro-suction surface of the fastener material sheet, andwherein an adhesive force required to separate the fastener materialsheet from the supporting surface is greater than a pull-off forcerequired to separate the smooth bottom surface of the godet from themicro-suction surface.
 22. The cosmetic palette of claim 21, wherein thebottom surface of the godet comprises at least one raised smooth surfaceand at least one recessed surface, wherein the raised smooth surfacecontacts the micro-suction surface to secure the godet.